St. Paul Radiology meets with Governor Pawlenty:

On February 4, 2008 several St. Paul Radiologists and their wives had lunch with Governor Tim Pawlenty at the Downtowner Grill in St Paul. This was an informal gathering providing the opportunity to introduce Gov. Pawlenty to St. Paul Radiology and discuss pertinent health care issues related to diagnostic imaging.  

Governor Pawlenty discussed possibly moving control of the health care dollars from the insurance carriers to the providers, and allowing for providers to bid on contracts as a means to also decrease costs.  Allowing clinicians more freedom to refer their patients to out-patient centers was discussed. As most physicians are now employed by large health corporations, they are strongly encouraged if not compelled to keep these studies within the system, even if this means higher cost. Improving access of information regarding procedure and imaging costs directly to the patient is also needed, allowing the consumer to play a more active role and to have a greater stake in choosing the most cost efficient procedures and exams.  

The last part of the meeting was spent discussing the upcoming election, and Gov. Pawlenty provided some insight about the candidates, including John McCain, his endorsed candidate.   This was an enjoyable and educational event, and allowed SPR to directly voice some of its concerns with the governor. A special thanks to Dr. Matt Baldwin for organizing the event.

(L to R) Dr. Mark Berger, Dr. Joseph Tashjian, Dr. Matthew Baldwin, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Tina Arsenault, Dr. Todd Arsenault, Dr. Peter Wold, and Tamara Wold

St. Paul Radiology Supports Smoke-Free Legislative Efforts:  

The Dakota County Smoke-Free Communities Partnership is a broad-based coalition of healthcare professionals, organizations, and citizens dedicated to educating the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the benefits of smoke-free workplace policies.   

Recent legislative efforts to promote smoke-free environments and the smooth implementation of the new freedom to breathe laws for Dakota County brought Ronnell Hansen, M.D. of St. Paul Radiology to an awards ceremony honoring those state legislators who supported enactment.  The event was graciously hosted by Jamal Ansari, owner of Mediterranean Cruise Cafe.  Dr. Hansen, representing the Ramsey Medical Society a supporting organization of local physicians, presented certificate honors to the legislators in attendance.  Those in the photo from left to right include:    

Ronnell Hansen, M.D., Jamal Ansari, Owner of Mediterranean Cruise Cafe, Representative Karla Bigham (D-57A), Representative Shelley Madore (D-37A), Representative Sandy Masin (D-38A) and Senator Jim Carlson (D-38) for their legislative efforts on this cause.   Diane Tran is the project coordinator for Smoke-Free Dakota.  Congratulations to all involved in making the Freedom to Breathe Act a reality and those who joined in celebrating this important legislation.